Posted on 12/23/2004 7:46:25 AM PST by Cutterjohnmhb
Two years ago Russia's Vladimir Putin was a celebrated champion of democracy. Twenty-four months later, it looks like he has chosen a different, authoritarian path. A new set of laws consolidates power in Putin's hands and the tax police continue their rampage through Russian industry. Is Putin's rule the birth of a modern-day czar?
AP Russian President Vladimir Putin is consolidating power in Moscow. Democracy in Russia may be in danger. It's only 10-years old, but the December 12 holiday has become one of Russia's most important. Introduced by former Russian President Boris Yeltsin 10 years ago, the day commemorates the ratification of the Russian constitution. In other words, it was on that day in 1994 that the Soviet Union was buried for good.
Or was it?
Ten days ago, 143 million Russian citizens celebrated the constitution holiday for the very last time. The celebration has been cancelled, eliminated, relegated to the dustbin of Russia's short post-Soviet history. Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted it so.
(Excerpt) Read more at service.spiegel.de ...
A very interesting article. And scary too.
CNBC's pre-market show called him "Vlad the Impaler" (thus insulting Dracula.) They were discussing the YUKOS (the Yugo of the Oil Industry) deal.
Even Germans don't like him anymore.
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